Natural hair has emerged as a personal and political issue in New York. Diverse self-expression through wearing natural hair and hairstyles has led to discrimination and diminished access to educational and economic opportunities, even in the face of allegedly “race-neutral” grooming policies. New York’s lawmakers have responded with some key legislation.

During the 2019-2020 legislative session, New York took action to prohibit race-based hair discrimination in employment and educational opportunities by enacting the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (the CROWN Act). The CROWN Act prohibits racial discrimination in employment and educational opportunities based on natural hair or protective hairstyles (including styles such as braids, locks, and twists). This was a step forward to protecting individuals with diverse hair or hairstyles from discrimination—and ensuring they have the same access to employment and education opportunities as other New Yorkers.